POEA Reiterates Warning versus Job Offers Abroad with Tourist Visas
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Chief Hans Leo Cacdac advised Filipinos planning to work abroad to refuse job offers that promise work abroad as domestic helpers using tourist visas to cross borders.
“They should not accept job offers if they are to leave using a tourist visa even with the assurance of the recruiter that they would find employment for them upon arrival in the country of destination,” Gulf Today quoted Cacdac on Thursday.
He said the warning also applied to job seekers offered immediate employment in Asian countries where tourist visas are not required.
Filipinos who fall for such schemes are often arrested upon their arrival to their countries of destination before they’re detained as illegal workers.
“The legal way is to obtain an employment contract and employment visa or work permit and submit them to the POEA for processing and issuance of an exit clearance,” Cadac said.
British Ambassador Asif Ahmad gave his own warning in 2014, saying job seekers should seek legal ways to enter the country so they could be issued the proper visa.
Those who insist on having working holidays however may try their luck with New Zealand’s Working Holiday Scheme, which allows citizens aged 18 to 30 to stay for one year at the country for leisure, holiday, or temporary work.